The Home Depot (HD) has just opened their Community Impact Grants cycle which will be in effect until August 15, 2014. There will likely be 2-3 rounds for submission during that time frame.

VFW Posts can receive up to $5,000 to fix up their Post building! Although of course there are no guarantees (so please be mindful of that) I encourage all Posts to apply ASAP if you desire to remodel your building.

YOU WILL COMPLETE THIS APPLICATION DIRECTLY VIA THE INTERNET ONLY (no telephone calls to HD, emails or written submissions will be accepted nor will you be able to turn this application in at your local HD store).

PLEASE OPEN AND CAREFULLY READ THE PDF ATTACHMENT TO THIS EMAIL AS IT WILL WALK YOU STEP-BY-STEP THROUGH THE PROCESS. I have tried to make the instructions as simple as possible using actual computer screen shots. Any deviation from this guide will most likely result in not being able to submit the application.

ALSO PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE TAX ID INSTRUCTIONS SECTION. You will use the Employee Identification Number (EIN) of your Post and upload the Post’s 501(c)(19) IRS determination letter at the end of the application. If you cannot locate the Post’s 501(c)(19) letter let me know as I can give you instructions on how to request a duplicate copy from the IRS.

If you receive funding it will come in the form of Home Depot gift cards that can be used to buy materials at your local HD store. You will need to recruit Post members or other community volunteers to do the work. The project must be completed within 6 months. You will also be required to submit a final report. You should also be willing to include stories and before-and-after photos of the project. Failure to do so will negatively impact your Post’s ability to receive any future funding from The Home Depot.

After submission of the application, you should receive an email response usually in six weeks letting you know if you received the grant.

I wish each of you the BEST OF LUCK!

Should you have any questions and or concerns, please contact me directly, Richard Freiburghouse, Manager – VFW Foundation, at (816) 968-1124 or rfreiburghouse@vfw.org

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